Otter Survey

If you are planning a development project that could impact a waterbody or watercourse either directly or indirectly, a survey for otter may be required for your development or planning application to proceed.

Otter Survey services from licensed ecologists.

Ecology by Design has wide ranging experience in conducting otter surveys to identify signs of otter presence as well as advising on appropriate mitigation strategies to be considered within the project design and schedule. Where impacts cannot be avoided, a mitigation licence will need to be obtained from Natural England.

Why and when do you need an otter survey?

Otters are protected by law as across Europe populations declined sharply through the 1900s due to pesticides in the aquatic food chain and habitat loss. With the introduction of bans on certain pesticides, improvements in water quality and re-introductions, the UK otter population is recovering well and recolonising parts of its former range.

In England, Scotland and Wales it is illegal to:

Intentionally or deliberately capture, kill, or injure an otter;
Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy, and disturb them in a place used for shelter or protection, or obstruct access to such areas;
Damage or destroy an otter breeding site or resting place;
Possess, control or transport them (alive or dead).

If a proposed development is likely to affect a waterbody, river, stream, lake or marsh, an otter survey is likely to be required. Due to their protected status, planning permission can be refused for sites where otters are present, unless it can be demonstrated that they will be adequately protected during development and disturbance will be minimal. This will be informed by an otter survey and report that will be submitted to support a planning application. Otter surveys may also be recommended as the result of an ecological scoping survey or preliminary ecological appraisal.

What does an otter survey entail?

An assessment of habitat suitability for otter and the need for surveys is often established via ecological scoping or a preliminary ecological appraisal.

Otters are able to travel great distances and have large territories which are not limited to the watercourse and its banks but can shelter several hundred meters away. An otter survey usually involves a detailed search for evidence of otters along a watercourse, looking for:

Otter footprints
Droppings (called spraint);
Feeding remains;
Muddy slides that the animals make on banks; and
Holts and resting areas.

We use trail cameras to help identify and monitor otter shelters and sprainting points to help confirm presence and levels of use. If otters are present, the surveys will inform the mitigation requirements and the need for a licence from Natural England.

Otter Survey Timing

Surveys can be undertaken throughout the year, although the summer months are more favourable when water levels are generally lower. Spring is the optimal period when riparian vegetation is not fully established, allowing better views of watercourse or waterbody banks and features.